Tag Archives: Norev

BMW M4 – should this have been created as a Matchbox casting? Who cares anymore as Mattel have just fucked everything up as usual. Where Norev, Bburago and Welly look to ensure that there are realistic castings Mattel can do this as well. And yes, BMW once again features with indeed – an M4. I…

This is the current cover photo for the Alarm fuer Cobra 11 Group on Farcebook. The reason – obviously – that this caught my eye is the volume of diecast used in the shot. If you look closely, you will see lots of Siku and a smattering of HW. But where are the Matchbox models?…

So the livery on these models are accurate, the casting is accurate, the wheels are re-created accurately. Norev do a good job here. But why, oh why do does the model not run flush? Have a quick at the Top Geary Top Test below and you can see what I mean. On flat surfaces, the…

Carrying on from yesterday’s blog, we look at the current Megane in Gendarmerie livery. A simple casting – right colour, right tampo’s job done. The only thing that does tickle me fancy is that the ride height is a little on the high side from how it sits stationary – but then again, this is…

As has been well documented, the existence of Matchbox in France is ‘null-points’. So it is always re-assuring to have Norev around, and these 3 models add to my theme of collecting diecast with foreign liveries. It’s all a very French affair – you will note how Peugeot and Renault have no issue giving Norev…

Lovely, lovely, lovely. Look how much better this one is than the Matchbox one. OK, the MB has its merits, bit we have front and rear tampo’s, plastic headlights and rears and that infamous Siku reg plate. Kop that interior as well – superb detail which adds to this quality model. Again, like the TT,…

I blogged about the Austin Mini Cooper version made by Norev yesterday, so this is more on the safer french territory from Norev. The original R5 Turbo was a monster – even more mental than the Clio V6. I mean, it won the Monte Carlo Rally as well. This casting is what I call a…

You can easily see why Matchbox models are increasingly becoming pocket money toys. Check out this lovely little one from Norev, their take on the Austin Mini Cooper. I love the detail on this – the authentic bumpers for a period 60s version and quality of rear tampo as well. The precision for a €3…

Opening parts gives added play value. Matchbox used to do it, but I think Mattel have pretty much stopped any opening doors altogether. Health and safety?? Nah, just sheer laziness and it costs too much. I have this version of the Megane Break in brown and blogged about it some time ago, so this one…

Norev’s are slightly more expensive than HW and MB. But you get to see why. There was a lot of hype about the MB Renault Master Ambulance that was part of the 2013 range, but when the collecting community found out that 90% of the model was plastic, it was seen as a blown opp.…